VIA San Antonio adds electric Equinoxes to downtown rideshare fleet

VIA Metropolitan Transit will place two Chevrolet Equinox electric vehicles into service on Thursday, Oct. 29. The cars join the existing VIA Link Downtown rideshare fleet, which has completed 2.5 million trips since it began operating in 2019.

The agency is using the new vehicles to test how electric technology performs in daily operations. VIA President & CEO Jon Gary Herrera said the addition allows the transit agency to evaluate different technologies and determine what works best for customers and staff.

Riders cannot specifically request an Equinox when booking a trip. However, the VIA Link app will display when an electric vehicle is assigned to a pickup. The cars feature a specific design that identifies their electric capability while maintaining the standard VIA Link branding.

The VIA Link Downtown service has provided nearly 34,000 passenger trips since its launch. The service connects riders to jobs, businesses, and entertainment venues throughout the downtown area.

The agency is expanding its downtown mobility options to address growing city needs. On Oct. 19, VIA launched the VIA Link After Midnight pilot service. This program serves overnight workers and late-night riders who need transportation after regular bus routes end.

Both the new electric rideshare vehicles and the After Midnight service charge a flat fare of $1.30. Passengers can book trips for either service through the VIA Link app.